Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un have flown into Singapore for a meeting that has the potential to be the most significant political summit in decades. It could also be a complete flop.

Mr Trump arrived in the country's Paya Lebar Air Base aboard Air Force One, having flown directly from the turbulent G7 meeting in Canada where he fought with his supposed allies and refused to sign a joint communique.

Those hoping Mr Trump's meeting with the North Korean leader helps bring about peace to the region and wider world will be praying the US president is more diplomatic with Mr Kim than he was with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, who he called "very dishonest and weak".

When he landed at around 8.20pm last night, Mr Trump was asked by a reporter how he felt about the upcoming meeting, for which he has reportedly given minimum preparation. He replied: "Very good."

His motorcade, including the reinforced 'Beast' Cadillac limousine, made its way to the Shangri-La hotel where a sweating line of photographers and a small crowd of people were waiting to see him pass.

"It's exciting, but I am also anxious," said a woman who asked to be identified only by her first name, Kim. "Kim can change his mind at any time. Mr Trump also likes to get his own way."

She added: "But if it works, it's for the good of the whole world. It will make history."

Christine McDougal, a Singaporean resident and US citizen, had arrived with a friend to cheer the president's arrival.

"This is a such an important moment," said the 16-year-old student.

Mr Kim had arrived earlier in the afternoon, touching down at the nation's main airport, Changi, in a plane loaned to him by China. While North Korea has proved it has been able to create a successful intercontinental ballistic missile, there are questions about the air worthiness of its aircraft for anything other than short journeys. Like Mr Trump, Mr Kim was received at the airport by Singapore's foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan.

He then made his way to the St Regis, one of the nation's most exclusive and expensive hotels. It is understood that Singapore has agreed to meet the costs of Mr Kim's bill.

While the two hotels were surrounded by media on Sunday, it will be the Capella hotel on the island of Sentosa, half a mile off shore, where all attention will turn tomorrow. It is there, in a building designed by British architect Norman Foster, that Mr Trump and Mr Kim are due to meet, starting at 9am.

Mr Trump has since sought to play down expectations, saying that the meeting will be an important first step, but that securing a deal will likely take many more meetings.